Label applicator mechanism

ABSTRACT

A label applicator mechanism, characterized by positioning labels in predetermined positions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along a predetermined longitudinal path of travel, comprising a magazine of labels mounted for reciprocating linear movement, a rotating transfer arm having alternatively actuatable suction means on the outer end thereof for transferring the labels from the magazine to the advancing articles, a sensing means for sensing an article and causing the magazine to move toward the transfer arm whereupon the suction means is actuated to receive a label therefrom and initiating rotation of the transfer arm. After the transfer arm has rotated to place the outer end thereof adjacent to the advancing articles, the suction means is deactuated to release the label and rotation of the transfer arm is stopped when the outer end thereof is adjacent to and in alignment with the magazine.

llnitetl Mates tent [72] Inventor [21 Appl. No. [22] Filed [45] Patented[73] Assignee [54] lLAlBlElL AlPPlLllCA'llOlR MECHANISM 7 lClaims, 6Drawing Figs.

[51] lint. Cl B65c 9/14, B65h 3/08 [50] Field oiSearch 156/351,

3,488,241 1/1970 Faltot 156/573 X Primary Examiner--Benjamin A. BorcheltAssistant Examiner-James M. Hanley ArtorneyParrott, Bell, Seltzer, Park& Gibson ABSTRACT: A label applicator mechanism, characterized bypositioning labels in predetermined positions on spaced-apart successivearticles being advanced along a predetermined longitudinal path oftravel, comprising a magazine of labels mounted for reciprocating linearmovement, a rotating transfer arm having alternatively actuatablesuction means on the outer end thereof for transferring the labels fromthe magazine to the advancing articles, a sensing means for sensing anarticle and causing the magazine to move toward the transfer armwhereupon the suction means is actuated to receive a label therefrom andinitiating rotation of the transfer arml After the transfer arm hasrotated to place the outer end thereof adjacent to the advancingarticles, the suction means is deactuated to release the label androtation of the transfer arm is stopped when the outer end thereof isadjacent to and in alignment with the magazine,

PATENTEU E 25 3,616,093

SHEET 2 0F 4 F 7: 5 INVENTOR:

RICHARD K. TE-E-D ATTORNEYS.

PATENTEUum 2s m:

SHEET b 0F 4 Jodkzou 440 d PUMJM m T m D E E T K D R A H w R ATTORNEYS:

LAllillElL AFFLHCATUM MlEClillAbIllSM This invention relates to a labelapplicator mechanism and more particularly to a label applicatormechanism for automatically positioning labels in predeterminedpositions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along apredetermined longitudinal path of travel.

conventionally, labels are usually positioned in predetermined positionson successive articles by manually positioning the articles one at atime in predetermined operative relationship with a label applicatormechanism and actuating the label applicator mechanism for positioningthe label in the predetermined position. lt is readily apparent thatthis practice is expensive, time consuming and often times highlyinaccurate.

Numerous attempts have heretofore been made to provide a labelapplicator mechanism for automatically positioning labels inpredetermined positions on spaced-apart successive articles beingcontinuously advanced along a predetermined longitudinal path of travel.However, these mechanisms have not been completely successful due to theproblems encountered in piclring up labels one at a time andtransferring the labels to a predetermined position on each of thesuccessively advancing articles and particularly, where the successivearticles are being advanced at relatively high rates of speed.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a labelapplicator mechanism wherein labels are automatically removed one at atime from a supply thereof and automatically transferred to successivearticles being continuously advanced along a predetermined longitudinalpath of travel in predetermined time relationship to position the labelsin predetermined positions on the successively advancing articles.

By this invention, it has been found that the above object and othersthat will become apparent from a detailed description of the presentinvention are accomplished by providing a label applicator mechanismincluding a supply means containing a plurality of labels therein andbeing movably mounted above the path of travel of the articles forreciprocating forward and reverse linear movement. The mechanism furtherineludes transfer means for receiving labels from said supply means atthe end of its forward movement and successively transferring the labelsto the advancing articles in a predetermined manner. The transfer meansincludes an arm having alternatively actuatable suction means on theouter end thereof and being mounted for periodic rotation in a generallyvertical plane such that the outer end thereof passes adjacent to and inalignment with the supply means in one portion of the vertical plane ofits movement for receiving a label therefrom when the suction means isactuated and is adjacent to the advancing articles at another portion ofthe vertical plane of its movement for releasing the label onto anadvancing article when the suction means is deactuated. The transfer armis positioned between periods of rotation with the outer end thereofadjacent to and in alignment with the supply means and with the suctionmeans deactuated.

The applicator mechanism further includes sensing means operativelyconnected to the label supply means and the transfer means and which isresponsive to each advancing article for initiating the reciprocatingmovement of the supply means to move said supply means toward saidtransfer means and for initiating rotation of said label transfer arm.lvleans are operatively connected with the suction means for actuationthereof during forward movement of the supply means and means areoperatively connected with the suction means for deactuation thereofwhen said label transfer arm has reached the portion of its verticalplane of movement adjacent an advancing article. Further means areoperatively connected with the transfer means to stop rotation of thelabel transfer arm when it has reached the portion of its vertical planeof movement adjacent to and in alignment with said supply means.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description proceeds, when talten in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which F 16. i is a schematic perspectiveview with portions broken away of a label applicator mechanismconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FlG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a label attached to one ofthe successively advancing articles of Figure l;

FlG. 3 is a sectional view in part talten substantially along the line3-3 of Figure l;

HO. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line dl ofFigure 3;

H6. 5 is a sectional view with portions broken away taken substantiallyalong the line 5-5 of Figure l; and

HG. s is a schematic electrical wiring and pneumatic control diagram ofthe label applicator mechanism of Figure 1.

Referring more specifically to the drawings wherein like referencecharacters are used to indicate like parts, there is illustrated inFigure l the label applicator mechanism, generally indicated at 110, ofthe present invention for positioning labels in predetermined positionson spaced apart successive articles A being advanced along apredetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel.

A conveyor means ll which may be of any conventional type, butpreferably a plurality of endless belts l2 horizontally disposed andentrained around suitable spaced-apart pulleys or rolls 13, M (Figureti), one of which is a drive roll (not shown), is supported in anysuitablemanner (not shown) in cooperative relationship with the labelapplicator mechanism ill. The conveyor means llll advances spaced-apartsuccessive articles A along a predetermined, generally horizontal,longitudinal path of travel as indicated. A sewing machine l5 is mountedadjacent the path of travel of at least one of the longitudinal sideedges of the successively advancing articles A and includes the usualsewing head lb and needle plate 117 between which the longitudinal sideedges of the articles A are passed and overedge stitched and whichstitching serves to attach the labels L to each of the successivelyadvancing articles A as illustrated in Figure 2. The sewing machine 15is operated in the conventional manner by a pulley lb and drive belt l9which may be driven by any suitable drive means (not shown).

While the present invention will be described in cooperation with theconveyor means ll and sewing machine l5 briefly described above, anysimilar conveyor means may be employed and the labels L may be attachedto each of the successively advancing articles A in accordance with anyother conventional technique.

A frame 21 for supporting the various parts of the label applicatormechanism it) is positioned in any suitable manner (not shown) above thepath of travel of the successively advancing articles A and includes avertically extending portion 211a and a horizontally extending portionZllb.

The label applicator mechanism comprises a label supply means 22containing a plurality of labels L therein movably mounted on thevertically extending portion Zlla of frame 21 above the path of travelof the advancing articles A for reciprocating forward and reverse linearmovement. More particularly, the supply means 22 comprises a verticallyextending magazine 23 open at its upper and lower ends. The lower end ofthe magazine 23 includes means such as resilient detents or bosses 24(Figure 3) extending inwardly thereof for maintaining a stack of labelsL in the magazine 23 and which will allow removal of the labels L one ata time from the lower end in accordance with this invention. The upperend is left open so that additional labels L may be readily placed inthe magazine 23 during operation of the mechanism 110 withoutinterference therewith.

The magazine 23 is carried by the vertically extending portion Zlla offrame 21 for reciprocating linear movement toward and away from the pathof the predetermined position on the successively advancing articles Ato which the label is to be applied. in particular, the magazine 23 isjoined to a vertically extending l-beam 25 by screws 26 (Figures 3 andd) which is in turn mounted on the vertically extending portion 2110 offrame Bl in a vertical tracltway 27 formed in and through the verticallyextending portion 21a. As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, a backupplate 28 having a plurality of vertically aligned bolts 29 is disposedon the opposite side of the vertically extending portion 21a of frame 21from magazine 23 with the bolts 29 disposed through the trackway 27 andhaving the terminal ends of the bolts 29 threaded into I-beam 25.Bushings 30 are provided on the portion of the bolts 29 disposed throughtrackway 27 to facilitate movement therein.

In order to reciprocate the magazine 23 toward and away from the path ofthe advancing articles A, reciprocating means including a double-acting,fluid operated, piston and cylinder assembly 35 is provided, whichincludes cylinder 36 mounted on the vertically extending portion 210 offrame 21 adjacent backup plate 28 and is arranged with the free end of areciprocating piston 37 pivotally connected to backup plate 28 as at 39for reciprocating vertical and linear movement of backup plate 28 whichin turn reciprocates label magazine 23 toward and away from the path ofthe successively advancing articles A.

Transfer means 40 are provided for receiving labels L from the labelmagazine 23 at the end of its forward movement toward the path of theadvancing articles A and successively transfers the labels L to theadvancing articles A in a predetermined manner and includes a tubulartransfer arm 41 having alternatively actuatable suction means on theouter end 42 thereof for receiving a label L from the magazine 23 andreleasing the label L to deposit it on one of the advancing articles A.In order to alternatively impart suction to the outer end 42 of thetransfer arm 41, the outer end 42 communicates through the transfer arm41, tube connections 43 and 44, conduit 45 and a solenoid controlled airvalve 46 with a suitable air source 47 (Figure 6), the operation ofwhich is more fully described hereinafter.

The transfer arm 41 is mounted for periodic rotation in a generallyvertical plane above the path of the predetermined position of theadvancing articles on which the labels are to place and about astationary axis or shaft 50 (Figure 3) such that the outer end thereofpasses in alignment with the label magazine 23 in the upper portion ofthe vertical plane of its movement and adjacent to the advancingarticles A at the lower portion of the vertical plane of its movement,the latter position being illustrated by phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 3.Between periods of rotation, the transfer arm 41 is positioned with theouter end thereof disposed in the upper portion of the plane of itsmovement in alignment with the label magazine 23 as shown in full linesin FIGS. 1 and 3.

Shaft 50 is horizontally disposed transverse to the path of travel ofthe successively advancing articles A and extends through the verticallyextending portion 21a of support frame 21. A pair of interconnected andsuperimposed circular cams 51 and 52 are concentrically mounted on oneend of shaft 50 for synchronized rotation therewith by collar 53 andsetscrew 54 which communicates through collar 53 with shaft 50 foradjustably attaching the earns 51 and 52 to the shaft 50. Each of theearns 51 and 52 has a detent or recess 51a and 52a, respectfully. forreasons to be later described. It will be apparent that the cams 51 and52 may be rotated relative to shaft 50 for adjusting the angularpositions of the recesses 51a and 520 by loosening setscrew 54 androtating collar 53 relative to shaft 50 to position the recesses 51a and52a in the desired position whereupon setscrew 54 is tightened to securethe superimposed earns 51 and 52 in the desired adjusted position.Furthermore, the cams 51 and 52 may be adjusted relative to each otherby loosening bolts 55 which interconnect cams 51 and 52 in superimposedrelation and rotating cam 52 relative to cam 51 with bolts 55 sliding intrackways 56 to the desired angular position whereupon bolts 55 aretightened to secure the cams 51 and 52 in rigid superimposed relation toeach other for synchronized rotation with shaft 50.

The transfer arm 41 is mounted by tube connection 43 on a support plate57 which is concentrically mounted on cam 52 for rotation therewithabout the stationary axis 50 to cause rotation of the transfer arm 41 ina generally vertical plane about the same axis such that the outer end42 thereof passes in alignment with the magazine 23 in the upper portionof the vertical plane of its movement and adjacent to the advancingarticles A at the lower portion of the vertical plane of its movement.As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the support plate 57 is adjustablymounted on cam 52 by bolts 58 which are disposed through arcuates slots59 in support plate 57 and threaded into cam 52. Thus, by looseningbolts 58 support plate 57 may be rotated relative to cam 52 to adjustthe position of the transfer arm 41 relative to carns 51 and 52.

The periodic rotation is imparted to the transfer arm 41 by shaft 50.Shaft 50 has an electric clutch 61 and an electric brake 62 mountedthereon, both of which are supported by horizontal extending portion 21bof frame 21 through support members 63 and 64, respectfully. When theclutch 61 is engaged, the brake 62 is disengaged to drivingly connectsshaft 50 to drive means 65 which includes a sprocket 66 and a chaindrive 67 which may be driven in any suitable manner (not shown).Likewise, when the clutch 61 is disengaged, the brake 62 is engaged andthe drive means 65 is disconnected from shaft 50 and the transfer arm 41remains stationary.

A sensing means is operatively connected to the label magazine 23 andthe electric clutch 61 and electric brake 62 and is responsive to eachadvancing article A for initiating the reciprocating movement of themagazine 23 to move it toward the transfer arm 41 and for initiatingrotation of the label transfer arm 41. Preferably, the sensing meanscomprises a photoelectric cell detecting means 70 mounted throughsuitable support members above the path of the successively advancingarticles A and which includes therein a light source 71 which projects alight beam 710 downwardly for reflection off the articles A back into aphotoelectric cell 72 carrier by the detecting means 70. In the presentcase, the photoelectric cell detecting means 70 is positioned to detectthe leading edge of each advancing article A and is disposed inalignment with the sewing machine 15.

When the leading edge of an advancing article A passes thereunder, thephotoelectric cell detecting means 70 (FIG. 6) transmits an electricalsignal to an electrical control circuit 73, enclosed in housing 74 andmounted on the vertically extending portion 21a of frame 21, whichenergizes a forward solenoid 75 that opens air valve 76 to have airsupplied from air compressor 77 through conduit 78, air valve 76 andconduit 79 to air cylinder 36 which causes piston 37 to move magazine 23from an inactive position forward toward the transfer arm 41. When themagazine 23 is adjacent the outer end 42 of transfer arm 41 a pair ofmicroswitches 81 and 82 (FIGS. 5 and 6) are actuated by bolts 83 and 84,respectively, which are mounted on bar 85 carried by backup plate 28.The actuation of microswitch 81 energizes reverse solenoid 86 to openair valve 76 to have air supplied from air compressor 77 through conduit78, air valve 76 and conduit 87 to air cylinder 36 which causes piston37 to reverse movement of magazine 23 and move it away from transfer arm41 to the inactive position.

The actuation of microswitch 82 energizes solenoid 88 to open air valve46 such that air from the air source 47 will travel through conduit 45into tube connection 43 and out an aperture 43a in the bottom thereof tocause through aspiration a suction at the outer end 42. Thus, thesuction is established when the magazine 23 is at the end of its forwardmovement adjacent the outer end 42 of the transfer arm 41 and causes thetransfer arm to receive a label L from the magazine 23. It will be notedthat the timed sequence of actuation of microswitches 81 and 82 may beadjusted within limits by adjusting the relation of the bolts 83 and 84to the bar 85. Since the transfer arm 41 is stationary during themovement of the magazine 23 toward the transfer arm 41, no problems areencountered in the outer end 42 of the transfer arm 41 receiving a labelL from the magazine 23.

As previously indicated the photoelectric cell detecting means 70 alsoinitiates the rotation of transfer arm 41. An adjustable timer relay 90is electrically connected to the detecting means ill for delaying therotation of transfer arm ll such that a label L may be first removedfrom the magazine 23 by the suction at the outer end l2 of transfer armll and to time the rotation of the transfer arm ill such that thetransfer arm all is at the lower portion of the vertical plane of itsmovement adjacent the path of the predetermined positions of thesuccessively advancing articles A at the same time as the predeterminedposition of the article A sensed by the photoelectric cell detectingmeans 70. In the present instance, the photoelectric cell sensing means7t senses the leading edge of each advancing article A as the article Apasses by the sewing machine l5 and the predetermined position forpositioning the label L is at the central portion of the article Aadjacent the longitudinal side edge being overedge stitched. Thus, thetimer relay till is adjusted in accordance with the speed at which thearticles A are advancing, the length of each article A, the speed ofrotation of transfer arm ll, etc. such that the rotation of transfer armdll is initiated to have the outer end ill of the transfer arm ll reachthe lower portion of the vertical plane of its movement as thepredetermined position on the advancing article A passes thereunder.

The timer relay W is also electrically connected to electric clutch tiland electric bralre 62 and in accordance with the time delay set thereonengages clutch 611 and disengaged bralte hit to drivingly connect shaft.J 'tl to drive means 65 to initiate the rotation of transfer arm llwhich in the present in stance is rotated in a counterclockwisedirection.

A microswitch llfll (FlGS. l and h) is carried by the verticallyextending portion 21a of frame 211 and is controlled by cam followerlflE pivotally mounted on switch 101 and is disposed for engagement withcircular cam 51. The recess 5la in cam fl is positioned to actuatemicroswitch llil when transfer arm dll reaches the lower portion of thevertical plane of its movement. The actuation of microswitch lUlenergizes solenoid Will and deenergizes solenoid did to close air valve46 which removes the suction from the outer end 42 of the transfer armdll. Thus, when the transfer arm All reaches the lower portion of thevertical plane of its movement adjacent the predetermined position ofthe advancing article A sensed by the photoelectric cell detecting means70 (FIG. ll), it releases the label L held thereby and deposits thelabel L in the predetermined position on the article A whereupon thesewing machine l5 stitches the label L in the predetermined position tothe advancing article A.

Another microswitch llllfi (FllGS. l and 6) is also carried by theverticallyeirtending portion Illa of support frame 21 and is controlledby cam follower we which is pivotally mounted on switch M5 and isdisposed for engagement with circular cam 52. The recess $201 in cam 52is positioned to actuate microswitch lifld when transfer arm dll reachesthe upper portion of the vertical plane of its movement in alignmentwith the magazine 23%. The actuation of microswitch 105 disengageselectric clutch hi and engages electric brake 62 to disconnect shaftfill from the drive means 65 to stop rotation of transfer arm ll. Thus,after the transfer arm ll has rotated a complete revolution the cycle iscomplete and the label applicator mechanism 110 is ready to position alabel in the predetermined position on the next successively advancingarticle A.

from the foregoing description, the operation of the label applicatormechanism is readily apparent and accordingly only a brief descriptionof the operation will be made. The magazine 1235 is loaded with a stackof labels L with the labels facing downward. The transfer arm all isadjusted to be in alignment with the magazine 23 as shown in Fl(]. 1.Cams El and 52 are adjusted on shaft hi) and relative to each other suchthat the microswitch lllll will be actuated by the recess 51a in cam 5iwhen the transfer arm ll is at the lower portion of the vertical planeof its movement and such that the cam follower tee of microswitch llldis resting in recess 52a of cam 52 between periods of rotation (FIG.ll). Depending upon the speed of advance of the successively advancingarticles, the

length of the advancing articles, the predetermined position on theadvancing articles, the speed of rotation of transfer arm ll and theposition of the photoelectric cell detecting means 7'0, the timer relayM is adjusted whereby the electric clutch till will be engaged and theelectric brake 62 disengaged in timed relationship to the sensing of anadvancing article A for the transfer arm ill to rotate to the lowerportion of the vertical plane of its movement as the predeterminedposition of the advancing article A passes thereunder.

The label applicator mechanism lit, the conveyor means ill and sewingmachine 15 are turned on. The articles A advancing on conveyor means llwill be overedged stitched along one longitudinal side edge. As soon asthe leading edge of each article A interrupts light beam 7la, themagazine 23 will start its forward movement toward the outer end d2 ofthe transfer arm dil. At the end of its forward movement to a positionadjacent transfer arm d-ll, a pair of microswitches 3t and 32 areactuated, one of which causes the magazine 23 to be returned to itsnormally inactive position and the other of which causes a suction to beapplied to the outer end 42 of the transfer arm dl. Thus, at the end ofthe forward movement of the magazine 23, a label L is received by theouter end 42 thereof.

In accordance with the setting of timer relay 90, the clutch of isengaged and the brake 62 is disengaged to initiate rotation of transferarm ill in a counterclockwise direction. When the transfer arm Allreaches the lower portion of the vertical plane of its movement,microswitch ltil is actuated by cam 5! to remove the suction from theouter and d2 of transfer arm ill to release the label L therefrom anddeposit it on the predetermined position of the article A sensed by thephotoelectric cell detecting means 70. Immediately, upon being depositedon the advancing article A, the sewing machine l5 stitches the label Lto the article A as shown in FlG. 2. The transfer arm ll continuesrotation to complete the revolution whereupon microswitch llll5 isactuated by cam 52 to disengage clutch bl and engage brake 62 to stoprotation of transfer arm 41. The transfer arm 41 is again positioned inalignment with the magazine 23. Thus, the label applicator mechanism 10is ready to position the next label L in the predetermined position onthe next successively advancing articles A.

It will be seen that from the description of the present invention thata label applicator mechanism has been provided for applying labels inpredetermined positions on successively advancing spaced-apart articlesbeing advanced along a predetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinalpath of travel.

in the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:

l. A label applicator mechanism for positioning labels in predeterminedpositions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along apredetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel, saidmechanism comprising:

a. supply means containing a plurality of labels therein and beingmovably mounted above the path of travel of the articles forreciprocating forward and reverse linear movement, said supply meanscomprising a vertically extending movably mounted magazine containing aplurality of labels therein, reciprocating means operatively connectedto said magazine for movement thereof and switch means operativelyconnected to said reciprocating means and being actuated by forwardmovement of said magazine for actuation of said reciprocating means inan opposite direction to move said magazine in the reverse direction;

b. transfer means for receiving labels from said supply means at the endof its forward movement and successively transferring the labels to theadvancing articles in a predetermined manner, said transfer meansincluding an arm having alternatively actuatable: suction means on theouter end thereof and being mounted for periodic rotation in a generallyvertical plane such that the outer end thereof passes adjacent to and inalignment with said magazine of said supply means in one portion of thevertical plane of its movement for receiving a label therefrom when saidsuction means is actuated and is adjacent to the advancing articles atanother portion of the vertical plane of its movement for releasing thelabel onto an advancing article when said suction means is deactuated,said arm being positioned between periods of rotation with the outer endthereof adjacent to and in alignment with said supply means and withsaid suction means deactuated;

. sensing means operatively connected to said label supply means andsaid transfer means and being responsive to each advancing article forinitiating operation of said reciprocating means for reciprocatingmovement of said magazine toward said transfer means and for initiatingrotation of said label transfer arm;

d. means operatively connected with said suction means for actuationthereof during forward movement of said supply means;

e. means operatively connected with said suction means for deactuationthereof when said label transfer arm has reached the portion of itsvertical plane of movement adjacent an advancing article; and

. means operatively connected with said transfer means to stop rotationof said label transfer arm when it has reached the portion of itsvertical plane of movement adjacent to and in alignment with said supplymeans.

2. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidreciprocating means includes a double-acting, fluid-operated piston andcylinder assembly mounted adjacent said label magazine with said pistonoperatively connected thereto for movement thereof toward and away fromsaid transfer means.

3. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidlabel transfer means includes 1. drive means for causing rotation ofsaid transfer arm, and

2. clutch and brake means operatively connected between said drive meansand said transfer arm for maintaining said transfer arm at the portionof its vertical plane of movement in alignment with said label supplymeans when said clutch means is disengaged and said brake means isengaged, said clutch and brake means being responsive in predeterminedtimed relationship to said sensing means for disengagement of said brakemeans and engagement of said clutch means to allow said drive means tocause rotation of said transfer arm,

4. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim 3, wherein saidmeans for stopping rotation of said label transfer arm includes 1.switch means operatively connected with said clutch and brake means fordisengaging said clutch means and engaging said brake means uponactuation of said switch means, and

2. cam means rotatable in synchronism with said transfer arm andoperatively associated with said last named switch means for actuationthereof after rotation of said transfer arm a predetermined distance toagain be positioned in alignment with said label supply means.

5. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidsensing means comprises photoelectric cell detecting means disposed inthe path of travel of the successive articles for sensing the leadingedge of each article.

6. A label applicator mechanism for positioning labels in predeterminedpositions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along apredetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel, saidmechanism comprising:

a. a magazine containing a plurality of labels therein and being movablymounted above the path of travel of the advancing articles;

b. reciprocating means including a double-acting, fluidoperated pistonand cylinder assembly mounted adjacent said magazine with the pistonoperatively connected to said magazine for forward and reverse linearmovement thereof;

c. a transfer arm having alternatively actuable suction means on theouter end thereof for receiving labels from said magazine at the end ofits forward movement, said transfer arm being rotatably mounted forrotation in a generally verticalplane such that the outer end thereofpasses adjacent to and in alignment with said magazine in one portion ofthe vertical plane of its movement for receiving a label therefrom whensaid suction means is actuated and is adjacent to the advancing articlesat another portion of the vertical plane of its movement for releasingthe label onto an advancing article when said suction means isdeactuated,

(1. drive means for causing periodic rotation of said transfer arm,

e. clutch and brake means operatively connected between said drive meansand said transfer arm, said clutch means being disengaged and said brakemeans being engaged between periods of rotation for maintaining saidtransfer arm at the portion of the vertical plane of its movement inalignment with said magazine,

f. sensing means operatively connected to said reciprocating means andsaid clutch and brake means and being responsive to each advancingarticle for initiating the reciprocating movement of said magazine tomove said magazine toward the outer end of said transfer arm and forengaging said clutch means and disengaging said brake means inpredetermined time relationship to said sensing means for initiatingrotation of said transfer arm,

g. switch means operatively connected with said suction means and beingactuated by movement of said magazine toward said transfer arm toactuate said suction means for removing a label from said magazine,

h. switch means operatively connected to said suction means fordeactuating said suction means,

. cam means rotatable in synchronism with said transfer arm andoperatively associated with said last-named switch means for actuationthereof after rotation of said transfer arm to the portion of itsvertical plane of travel adjacent to the advancing articles to deactuatesaid suction means to release the label held thereby and deposit thelabel on the article sensed by said sensing means;

j. switch means operatively connected with said clutch and brake meansfor disengaging said clutch means and engaging said brake means uponactuation thereof; and

k. cam means rotatably in synchronism with said transfer arm andoperatively associated with said last-named switch means for actuationthereof after rotation of said transfer arm a predetermined distance toagain be positioned in alignment with said magazine.

7. A label applicator mechanism for positioning labels in predeterminedpositions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along apredetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel, saidmechanism comprising:

a. supply means containing a plurality of labels therein and beingmovably mounted above the path of travel of the articles forreciprocating forward and reverse linear movement;

b. transfer means for receiving labels from said supply means at the endof its forward movement and successively transferring the labels to theadvancing articles in a predetermined manner, said transfer meansincluding an arm having alternatively actuatable suction means on theouter end thereof and being mounted for periodic rotation in a generallyvertical plane such that the outer end thereof passes adjacent to and inalignment with said supply means in one portion of the vertical plane ofits movement for receiving a label therefrom when said suction means isactuated and is adjacent to the advancing articles at another portion ofthe vertical plane of its movement for releasing the label onto anadvancing article when said suction means is deactuated, said arm beingpositioned between periods of rotation with the outer end thereofadjacent to and in alignment with said supply means and with saidsuction means deactuated;

c. sensing means operatively connected to said label supply means andsaid transfer means and being responsive to each advancing article forinitiating the reciprocating movement of said supply means to move saidsupply means toward said transfer means and for initiating rotation ofsaid label transfer arm;

d. means operatively connected with said suction means for actuationthereof during forward movement of said supply means, said meanscomprising switch means operatively connected with said suction meansand being actuated by movement of said label supply means toward saidtransfer arm to actuate said suction means for removing a label fromsaid label supply means;

e. means operatively connected with said suction means for deactuationthereof when said label transfer arm has reached the portion of itsvertical plane of movement adjacent an advancing article, said meanscomprising switch means operatively connected to said suction means fordeactuating said suction means, and! cam means rotatable in synchronismwith said transfer arm and operatively associated with said last-namedswitch means for actuation thereof after rotation of said transfer armto the portion of its vertical plane of travel adjacent to the advancingarticles to deactuate said suction means to release the label heldthereby and deposit the label on the article sensed by said sensingmeans; and

. means operatively connected with said transfer means to stop rotationof said label transfer arm when it has reached the portion of itsvertical plane of movement adjacent to and in alignment with said supplymeans.

2. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidreciprocating means includes a double-acting, fluid-operated piston andcylinder assembly mounted adjacent said label magazine with said pistonoperatively connected thereto for movement thereof toward and away fromsaid transfer means.
 2. cam means rotatable in synchronism with saidtransfer arm and operatively associated with said last named switchmeans for actuation thereof after rotation of said transfer arm apredetermined distance to again be positioned in alignment with saidlabel supply means.
 2. clutch and brake means operatively connectedbetween said drive means and said transfer arm for maintaining saidtransfer arm at the portion of its vertical plane of movement inalignment with said label supply means when said clutch means isdisengaged and said brake means is engaged, said clutch and brake meansbeing responsive in predetermined timed relationship to said sensingmeans for disengagement of said brake means and engagement of saidclutch means to allow said drive means to cause rotation of saidtransfer arm.
 3. The label applicator mechanism, as set forth in claim1, wherein said label transfer means includes
 4. The label applicatormechanism, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said means for stoppingrotation of said label transfer arm includes
 5. The label applicatormechanism, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensing means comprisesphotoelectric cell detecting means disposed in the path of travel of thesuccessive articles for sensing the leading edge of each article.
 6. Alabel applicator mechanism for positioning labels in predeterminedpositions on spaced-apart successive articles being advanced along apredetermined, generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel, saidmechanism comprising: a. a magazine containing a plurality of labelstherein and being movably mounted above the path of travel of theadvancing articles; b. reciprocating means including a double-acting,fluid-operated piston and cylinder assembly mounted adjacent saidmagazine with the piston operatively connected to said magazine forforward and reverse linear movement thereof; c. a transfer arm havingalternatively actuable suction means on the outer end thereof forreceiving labels from said magazine at the end of its forward movement,said transfer arm being rotatably mounted for rotation in a generallyvertical plane such that the outer end thereof passes adjacent to and inalignment with said magazine in one portion of the vertical plane of itsmovement for receiving a label therefrom when said suction means isactuated and is adjacent to the advancing articles at another portion ofthe vertical plane of its movement for releasing the label onto anadvancing article when said suction means is deactuated, d. drive meansfor causing periodic rotation of said transfer arm, e. clutch and brakemeans operatively connected between said drive means and said transferarm, said clutch means being disengaged and said brake means beingengaged between periods of rotation for maintaining said transfer arm atthe portion of the vertical plane of its movement in alignment with saidmagazine, f. sensing means operatively connected to said reciprocatingmeans and said clutch and brake means and being responsive to eachadvancing article for initiating the reciprocating movement of saidmagazine to move said magazine toward the outer end of said transfer armand for engaging said clutch means and disengaging said brake means inpredetermined time relationship to said sensing means for initiatingrotation of said transfer arm, g. switch means operatively connectedwith said suction means and being actuated by movement of said magazinetoward said transfer arm to actuate said suction means for removing alabel from said magazine, h. switch means operatively connected to saidsuction means for deactuating said suction means, i. cam means rotatablein synchronism with said transfer arm and operatively associated withsaid last-named switch means for actuation thereof after rotation ofsaid transfer arm to the portion of its vertical plane of traveladjacent to the advancing articles to deactuate said suction means torelease the label held thereby and deposit the label on the articlesensed by said sensing means; j. switch means operatively connected withsaid clutch and brake means for disengaging said clutch means andengaging said brake means upon actuation thereof; and k. cam meansrotatably in synchronism with said transfer arm and operativelyassociated with said last-named switch means for actuation thereof afterrotation of said transfer arm a predetermined distance to again bepositioned in alignment with said magazine.
 7. A label applicatormechanism for positioning labels in predetermined positions onspaced-apart successive articles being advanced along a predetermined,generally horizontal, longitudinal path of travel, said mechanismcomprising: a. supply means containing a plurality of labels therein andbeing movably mounted above the path of travel of the articles forreciprocating forward and reverse linear movement; b. transfer means forreceiving labels from said supply means at the end of its forwardmovement and successively transferring the labels to the advancingarticles in a predetermined manner, said transfer means including an armhaving alternatively actuatable suction means on the outer end thereofand being mounted for periodic rotation in a generally vertical planesuch that the outer end thereof passes adjacent to and in alignment withsaid supply means in one portion of the vertical plane of its movementfor receiving a label therefrom when said suction means is actuated andis adjacent to the advancing articles at another portion of the verticalplane of its movement for releasing the label onto an advancing articlewhen said suction means is deactuated, said arm being positioned betweenperiods of rotation with the outer end thereof adjacent to and inalignment with said supply means and with said suction means deactuated;c. sensing means operatively connected to said label supply means andsaid transfer means and being responsive to each advancing article forinitiating the reciprocating movement of said supply means to move saidsupply means toward said transfer means and for initiating rotation ofsaid label transfer arm; d. means operatively connected with saidsuction means for actuation thereof during forward movement of saidsupply means, said means comprising switch means operatively connectedwith said suction means and being actuated by movement of said labelsupply means toward said transfer arm to actuate said suction means forremoving a label from said label supply means; e. means operativelyconnected with said suction means for deactuation thereof when saidlabel transfer arm has reached the portion of its vertical plane ofmovement adjacent an advancing article, said means comprising switchmeans operatively connected to said suction meanS for deactuating saidsuction means, and cam means rotatable in synchronism with said transferarm and operatively associated with said last-named switch means foractuation thereof after rotation of said transfer arm to the portion ofits vertical plane of travel adjacent to the advancing articles todeactuate said suction means to release the label held thereby anddeposit the label on the article sensed by said sensing means; and f.means operatively connected with said transfer means to stop rotation ofsaid label transfer arm when it has reached the portion of its verticalplane of movement adjacent to and in alignment with said supply means.